Obituary of Dora Jean Ricotta

Dora Jean Ricotta, 75, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at St. Dominic’s Hospital on July 19, 2018.  Dora was born on December 15, 1942 to Henry and Cecil Stevens in Rosedale, MS.  She attended school at Rosedale High School and then Greenville High School.  She met her husband, Joe Ricotta (Bronx, New York), in 1962 at the Greenville Air Force Base where he was stationed.  They were married on February 22, 1963 in the chapel at the base.  They had four children who love them very much.  They resided much of their life in Greenville, Mississippi before moving to Brandon, Mississippi in September, 2010 to be closer to their children.

Dora worked as a homemaker raising their four children.  She had a great talent for baking and decorating cakes, baking sour dough bread, and sewing.  She was a beautiful seamstress. Dora was known for baking and selling the best homemade sour dough bread at Fava’s/Stareka’s grocery in Greenville.  She briefly worked with sisters, Ruby and Maisie, at U.S. Axminister.

Dora’s greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren.  She was absolutely adored and spoiled by her husband of 55 years.  She was a devout Jehovah’s Witness enjoyed great fellowship with her friends at the Kingdom Hall.  Her strong faith never wavered.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Cecil, and her siblings, Carl Lester, Charles, Dorothy, and Maisie. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Joe, her children, Joseph (Ashley),  Donna, Richard (Lori), and Henry (Ashlee), her grandchildren, Lindsay Humphreys (Nolan), Carol Woodard (Aaron), Richelle Gentry (Chad), Haley Ricotta, Christen Ricotta ,Josie Ricotta, and Sally Parker Rowland. 

Dora will be greatly missed and fondly and lovingly remembered.